Individual Roles Research Articles

Roles of Individual Human Cytochrome P450 Enzymes in Drug Metabolism.

Our knowledge of the roles of individual cytochrome P450 (P450) enzymes in drug metabolism has developed considerably in the past 30 years, and this base has been of considerable use in avoiding serious issues with drug interactions and issues due to variations. Some newer approaches are being considered for "phenotyping" metabolism reactions with new drug candidates. Endogenous biomarkers are being used for noninvasive estimation of levels of individual P450 enzymes. There is also the matter of some remaining "orphan" P450s, which have yet to be assigned reactions. Practical problems that continue in drug development include predicting drug-drug interactions, predicting the effects of polymorphic and other P450 variations, and evaluating interspecies differences in drug metabolism, particularly in the context of "metabolism in safety testing" regulatory issues ["disproportionate (human) metabolites"]. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Cytochrome P450 enzymes are the major catalysts involved in drug metabolism. The characterization of their individual roles has major implications in drug development and clinical practice.

A Descriptive Exploration of Heart Rate Response to Live Professional Irish Dance Performance.

Introduction: Research investigating the physiological demands of dance performance has documented exercise intensity and time spent in work and rest; however, available data are across limited dance genres and often use rehearsal or simulated conditions. Real-time data recorded during live performance with an audience are limited. The aim of the study is to provide a detailed description of the physiological demands of live professional Irish dance performance. Method: The entire Irish dance cast of Riverdance participated in the study (n = 24). Approval was granted by the Institutional Research Ethics Committee. Matinee and evening performances on the first day of a tour were examined in a descriptive, cross-sectional design. Heart rate (HR) monitors worn discretely under costumes recorded data every 5-seconds. Video analysis allowed calculation of time spent in work and rest. All descriptive analyses were split by role (troupe/lead) and sex (male/female). Results: Dancers worked at hard/very hard intensities (mean > 72%, peak > 91% HRmax) for ~3 minutes at a time for 3-9 individual dance numbers. There was a high variation in overall demand experienced by individual dancers due to variation in both duration and intensity of on-stage time, dependent upon their role. Mean total on-stage time was 18.18 ± 5.82 minutes, 19.43 ± 5.80 minutes, 29.71 ± 0.62 minutes, 20.00 ± 0.00 minutes for male troupe, female troupe, male lead, and female lead dancers, respectively. Recovery periods were varied in terms of duration, activity undertaken, and HR response. Conclusion: Individual dance numbers within a professional Irish dance show were high intensity for a short duration when considered in isolation, but overall physiological demand experienced by any one dancer across the entire show varied dependent upon their role and off-stage/recovery practices. Future research investigating the physiological demands of dance performance should ensure analysis accounts for the individual dancer's role and should capture the entire show duration in repeated exposures.

Epigenetic factors direct synergistic and antagonistic regulation of transposable elements in Arabidopsis.

Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) HISTONE DEACETYLASE 6 (HDA6) and HISTONE DEMETHYLASES LSD-LIKE 1 (LDL1) and LDL2 synergistically regulate the expression of long non-coding RNAs associated with H3Ac and H3K4me2. The underlying mechanisms of such highly coordinated interactions among genetic and epigenetic factors contributing to this collaborative regulation remain largely unclear. We analyzed all transposable elements (TEs) across the Arabidopsis genome and the individual and combined roles of HDA6 and LDL1/LDL2 by dissecting multi-layered epigenomes and their association with transcription. Instead of an individual synergistic effect, we observed dual synergistic and antagonistic effects, which are positively associated with H3Ac and H3K4me2 while maintaining a negative but moderate association with DNA methylation. Specifically, two modes of synergistic regulation were discovered in TEs: 74% are primarily regulated by HDA6, with less dependence on LDL1/LDL2, and the remaining 26% are co-regulated by both. Between the two modes, we showed that HDA6 has a strong effect on TE silencing, whereas LDL1/LDL2 plays a weaker yet crucial role in co-regulation with HDA6. Our results led to a model of epigenomic regulation - the differential de-repression between the two modes of synergistic regulation of TEs was determined by H3Ac and H3K4me2 levels, where TEs are in accessible chromatins free of DNA methylation, and this open chromatin environment precedes transcriptional changes and epigenome patterning. Our results discovered unbalanced effects of genetic factors in synergistic regulation through delicately coordinated multi-layered epigenomes and chromatin accessibility.

Evolution of International Legal Standards Regarding Responsibility for Violations of Laws and Customs of War (Second Half of the XIX-th – First Half of the XX-th Century)

This article examines the evolution of international legal standards aimed at defining responsibility for violations of laws and customs of war from the second half of the 19th century to the first half of the 20th century. It emphasizes that war is undoubtedly one of the most dreadful events that can impact people’s lives and society. However, if it is not controlled or conducted in accordance with international norms and standards, its consequences can be even more devastating and catastrophic. Since the beginning of the full-scale armed aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine, the term «violation of laws and customs of war» has become widespread. Responsibility for such actions is provided for by Article 438 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. However, the criminalization of this act is not related to Ukraine’s domestic legal order, as violations of laws and customs of war are an international crime that causes serious harm to people, economic objects, and cultural heritage, creating a high level of societal danger. The article covers an analysis of key international documents such as the Geneva Conventions, decisions of the Hague Conferences, and UN resolutions, exploring their influence on shaping legal norms in this area. It examines changes in legal regulation, their causes, and consequences, as well as the role of specific individuals and historical events in this process. This research is important for understanding past experiences in the context of current challenges and conflicts, as well as for further development of international law and ensuring the protection of human rights during armed conflicts. In conclusion, it is noted that the second half of the 19th and the first half of the 20th centuries witnessed significant development of international legal standards concerning responsibility for violations of laws and customs of war. This period was crucial in shaping the fundamental principles of international humanitarian law aimed at protecting human rights during armed conflicts. As a result of this process, a series of international treaties and conventions were adopted, which established rules of conduct in armed conflicts and mechanisms for accountability for their violations. These standards have been an important step in humanizing war and protecting human rights during armed conflicts.

Social tension after grooming in wild Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata yakui) is sex specific and sensitive to social relationships.

Changes in the rate of self-directed behavior-a proxy for social tension-offer valuable insights into individuals' experiences of social interactions. Many studies have tested the tension-reduction hypothesis, whereby grooming is expected to reduce social tension in the grooming partners. However, it is still unclear whether responses to grooming are affected by social factors such as an individual's role or social relationship with their partner, and whether responses are similar for females and males. Focussing on same-sex grooming in Yakushima Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata yakui), we analyzed the effects of two social factors on the change in the rate of self-scratching after receiving grooming: sitting in contact with their partner outside of grooming contexts (as a measure of relationship strength) and rank distance. We collected 10-min postgrooming and matched-control focal samples on recipients of grooming. After controlling for postinhibitory rebound effects, grooming reduced scratching in females (suggesting that grooming was relaxing for the receiver), but not in males. In females, this reduction was associated with increased sitting in contact and increased rank distance: being groomed was more tension-reducing if the grooming partners spent time together outside of grooming contexts, or if their difference in rank was greater and therefore more conspicuous. The reduction effect was mediated by sitting in contact only when females had a higher-ranking-that is, more dominant and potentially aggressive-groomer. Our findings suggest that not all grooming interactions are perceived as equal, which has implications for its use as an index of relationship quality. To our knowledge, this represents the first study of postgrooming social tension in male Japanese macaques and our results highlight the need for caution when generalizing findings from only one sex to the species level.

Gender role attitudes and fertility intentions: the mediating role of parental sacrifice and the moderating role of subjective well-being

Gender role attitudes have been shown to play a critical role in individuals’ fertility intentions. However, the underlying mechanism is unclear. The present study examined whether parental sacrifice mediates the relationship between gender role attitudes and fertility intentions, and whether subjective well-being plays a moderating role. A sample of 446 Chinese adults aged 18 to 45 (Mage = 32.78, SDage = 5.63, 60.93% female) completed the Gender Role Attitude Scale, Parental Sacrifice Scale, Index of Well-Being, and Fertility Attitude Scale. Multiple regression analyses showed that traditional gender role attitudes positively predicted fertility intentions, while egalitarian gender role attitudes negatively predicted fertility intentions. Moreover, parental sacrifice was found to partially mediate the relationship between gender role attitudes and fertility intentions. Additionally, subjective well-being was identified as a moderator of the mediating effect of parental sacrifice. Specifically, for individuals with low subjective well-being, parental sacrifice played a partially mediating role. However, for individuals with high subjective well-being, the mediating effect of parental sacrifice was not significant, and gender role attitudes directly influenced fertility intentions. This study adds to our understanding of the connection between gender role attitudes and fertility intentions of adults, providing important information for policymakers and professionals aiming to promote fertility intentions.

Effects of a circuit training program in improving cardiorespiratory fitness, upper extremity strength, and agility in paraplegic subjects

Exercise and sports may play a crucial role for individuals with disabilities due to their restricted levels of physical activity. Among people with disabilities, engaging in sports and exercise has the potential to notably enhance their physical and physiological functioning. Consequently, the aim of this research was to investigate the effects of a circuit training program on the cardiorespiratory fitness, musculoskeletal strength, and agility of wheelchair users. The study involved 28 participants with paraplegia as a result of spinal cord injury, aged between 19 and 40 years, who were divided into two groups: an experimental group (EG, n = 14) participating in circuit training, and a control group (CG, n = 14) undergoing aerobic upper-body exercise exclusively. All subjects took part in the wheelchair yo-yo test and hand grip test, both conducted at the commencement and conclusion of the training period. The results displayed a significant Time x Group interaction for both variables, indicating a substantial improvement in the intervention group (p < 0.001), while no significant changes were observed in the control group. Therefore, the findings suggest that incorporating circuit training into the daily routine of wheelchair users has a positive impact on their overall well-being, ultimately enhancing their quality of life. Key words: physiology; exercise; sport; spinal cord injuries; cardiorespiratory fitness.

The effect of information integration on team communication in a simulated submarine control room task

Submarine control rooms are characterised by dedicated individual roles for information types (e.g. Sonar operator processes sound energy), with individuals verbally reporting the information that they receive to other team members to help resolve uncertainty in the operational environment (low information integration). We compared this work design with one that ensured critical information was more readily available to all team members (high information integration). We used the Event Analysis of Systemic Teamwork (EAST) method to analyse task, information, and social networks for novice teams operating within a simulated submarine control room under low versus high information integration. Integration impacted team member centrality (importance relative to other operators) and the nature of information shared. Team members with greater centrality reported higher workload. Higher integration across consoles altered how team members interacted and their relative status, the information shared, and how workload was distributed. However, overall network structures remained intact.

Beyond Belief and Practice: An Exploratory Literature Review and Discussion of the Differential Impact of Spirituality and Religiosity on Mental Health Disorders.

The relationship between spirituality and religiosity and their impact on mental health is intricate and underexplored. This exploratory review aims to elucidate the distinct effects of these constructs, highlighting their contributions to psychological well-being and clinical practices. By dissecting the impacts of spirituality and religiosity on mental health, the study focuses on their individual and combined roles in shaping therapeutic approaches and theoretical understandings in the field. A literature review was conducted using PubMed, focusing on articles discussing spirituality, religiosity, and their intersection with mental health and psychopathology. Out of 312 identified articles, 69 peer-reviewed articles were included after screening for relevance. The results indicate that spirituality and religiosity significantly influence mental health yet are often conflated, leading to research inconsistencies and clinical challenges. Spirituality, as a broad and individualistic pathway, enhances personal well-being and resilience, often transcending organized religious practices. In contrast, religiosity, with its structured community support, sometimes imposes constraints that exacerbate stress under specific doctrinal pressures. Neurobiological evidence suggests that both constructs interact with cognitive processes and brain function, influencing emotional regulation and stress response. The study concludes that distinguishing between spirituality and religiosity is essential for precise academic discourse and effective clinical practice. This differentiation allows for more personalized therapeutic approaches, accommodating an individual's spiritual and religious contexts. The authors propose a refined framework for future research and therapeutic applications to be sensitive to the nuanced experiences of individuals and to better tailor interventions in clinical settings.

Exploring Purpose-Driven Leadership: Theoretical Foundations, Mechanisms, and Impacts in Organizational Context

Leadership has been extensively studied in organizational contexts, with numerous theories examining how leaders influence success and employee engagement. Most recently, integrating organizational purpose—the core reason for an organization’s existence—into leadership has garnered substantial interest, resulting in the underdeveloped concept of Purpose-Driven Leadership. This paper presents a systematic review of Purpose-Driven Leadership in organizations. We employed the PRISMA guidelines and searched WoS and SCOPUS, identifying 58 relevant research papers for inclusion in our review. The success of Purpose-Driven Leadership, as a nexus of individual and organizational purposes, hinges on defining and implementing an organizational purpose that resonates at all levels, based on the inverted pyramid of purpose, from overarching organization to individual roles. Our review suggests several positive outcomes associated with Purpose-Driven Leadership. These include increased work engagement, where employees are more invested in their roles; enhanced organizational commitment, reflecting stronger loyalty to the organization; improved employee performance, demonstrating higher productivity and effectiveness; and overall organizational performance. Additionally, this leadership approach promotes a cohesive and motivated workforce by aligning individual goals with the broader organizational purpose, fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation. Several moderators were also identified, including effective purpose communication, impact perception, autonomy, and balance of work–life.

Interferon α and β induce differential transcriptional and functional metabolic phenotypes in human macrophages and blunt glycolysis in response to antigenic stimuli.

The impact of chronic exposure to type I interferons (IFN)-α2a, 2b, and β on macrophage metabolism, intimately linked to macrophage function, is not well understood. This study assesses the nuanced host responses induced by type I IFN cytokines, offering insights into potential therapeutic approaches in diseases associated with these cytokines. Employing a combination of transcriptional profiling and real-time functional analysis, we delineated metabolic reprogramming in response to chronic IFN exposure. Our results reveal distinct transcriptional metabolic profiles between macrophages chronically exposed to IFN-α and IFN-β. IFN-β significantly diminishes the oxygen consumption rate and glycolytic proton extrusion rate in macrophages. Conversely, IFN-α2b decreased parameters of mitochondrial fitness and induced a shift toward glutamine oxidation. Assessing the ability of macrophages to induce glycolysis in response to antigenic stimuli (LPS and iH37Rv), we found that chronic exposure to all IFN subtypes limited glycolytic induction. This study addresses a critical oversight in the literature, where individual roles of IFN subtypes are frequently amalgamated and lack distinction. These findings not only provide novel insights into the divergent effects of IFN-α2a, α2b, and β on macrophage metabolism but also highlight their potential implications for developing targeted therapeutic strategies.

The strength of weak ties and fake news believability

Are we more likely to believe a social media news story shared by someone with whom we have a strong or weak tie? We tend to trust close ties more than weak ties, but weak ties are sources of new information more often than strong ones. We conducted an online experiment to examine the effect of tie strength (strong ties vs. weak ties) on the decision to believe or not believe fake news stories. Participants perceived false stories from weak ties to be more believable than false stories from strong ties (after controlling for the trustworthiness of the sharer). We found that a sharer's perceived ability to share reliable information plays a significant role in individuals' decision to believe news stories on social media, regardless of whether the source is a strong or weak tie. Interestingly, a sharer's perceived integrity was found to be important only when the information came from weak ties, while a sharer's perceived benevolence was not important for either weak or strong ties. These findings show that the perceived integrity of the sharer is a key factor in the decision to believe stories from weak ties, more so than from strong ties. Furthermore, a sharer's perceived ability to share reliable information is less critical when weak ties share true stories. The impact of weak ties does not stem from the novelty of their information, as we used identical headlines across both study groups. Thus, while the strength of weak ties effect is present in this context, the underlying theoretical mechanism differs from the novelty of information traditionally observed in other settings.

Clarifying middle authorship contributions to reduce abuses in science publishing and assessment of top-ranked SJR biochemistry and pharmacology journals' authorship criteria.

So-called "middle authors," being neither the first, last, nor corresponding author of an academic paper, have made increasing relative contributions to academic scholarship over recent decades. No work has specifically and explicitly addressed the roles, rights, and responsibilities of middle authors, an authorship position which we believe is particularly vulnerable to abuse via growing phenomena such as paper mills. Responsible middle authorship requires transparent declarations of intellectual and other scientific contributions that journals can and should require of co-authors and established guidelines and criteria to achieve this already exist (ICMJE/CRediT). Although publishers, editors, and authors need to collectively uphold a situation of shared responsibility for appropriate co-authorship, current models have failed science since verification of authorship is impossible, except through blind trust in authors' statements. During the retraction of a paper, while the opinion of individual co-authors might be noted in a retraction notice, the retraction itself practically erases the relevance of co-author contributions and position/status (first, leading, senior, last, co-corresponding, etc.). Paper mills may have successfully proliferated because individual authors' roles and responsibilities are not tangibly verifiable and are thus indiscernible. We draw on a historical example of manipulated research to argue that authors and editors should publish publicly available, traceable contributions to the intellectual content of an article-both classical authorship or technical contributions-to maximize both visibility of individual contributions and accountability. To make our article practically more relevant to this journal's readership, we reviewed the top 50 Q1 journals in the fields of biochemistry and pharmacology, as ranked by the SJR, to appreciate which journals adopted the ICMJE or CRediT schools of authorship contribution, finding significant variation in adhesion to ICMJE guidelines nor the CRediT criteria and wording of author guidelines.

Penerapan Program Sosialisasi Pendidikan Karakter di SDN Musir Kidul

Character education has become the primary focus in efforts to develop individuals with strong moral values and ethics. In the context of modern education, character education goes beyond teaching discipline or enforcing rules; it strengthens the core of good personality and fosters positive behaviors in daily life. This paper reviews character education from various perspectives, including the conceptual understanding, implementation approaches in educational institutions, and its impact on shaping a better future generation. By integrating values such as integrity, empathy, honesty, and responsibility, character education plays a crucial role in shaping individuals who are not only academically competent but also ethically sound and capable of making positive contributions to society. Through a profound understanding of these values, educational institutions can play a crucial role in laying a solid moral foundation for future generations.

O-010 Luteal estradiol versus follicular GnRH antagonist for ovarian follicular synchronization in POSEIDON poor responders: a multicentric randomized controlled trial

Abstract Study question In order to improve follicular synchronization, is pre-treatment with Luteal Estradiol (LE) more efficacious than Follicular GnRH Antagonist (FA) among poor responders? Summary answer Luteal Estradiol is better than Follicular GnRH Antagonist to improve maturation rates in Poor Ovarian Responders (POR) What is known already In poor responders, follicular asynchrony is a major obstacle in optimizing the pregnancy rates and leads to more cycle cancellations and increases the requirement of additional pool up cycles. It imposes significant financial burden on patients. ESHRE recommendations on FA and LE are conditional and require better quality studies. Several studies have evaluated the individual role of pre-treatment with LE or FA in synchronising the number of mature oocytes retrieved. There have been no studies comparing the efficacy of luteal estradiol versus follicular antagonist Study design, size, duration A randomised controlled trial was conducted at multiple centres of a private fertility clinic over 1year. Block randomization was performed using a Web-based randomization system.Allocation concealment was done using envelopes. 196 POR patients were randomized and 145 successfully completed the study. 80 patients(55.17%) received LE while 65 patients (44.83%) received FA. A per-protocol analysis was conducted. A subgroup analyses was done after excluding endometriosis and male-factor infertility as they could have been significant confounding factors. Participants/materials, setting, methods We randomised POR patients(POSEIDON criteria) into 2 arms, in their previous menstrual cycle. LE arm received oral Estradiol valerate 4 mg/day from 7days before expected menses to Day1 of menses. FA arm received Inj.Cetrorelix 0.25mg S.C from Day1 to Day5 of menses. The primary outcomes analysed were oocytes retrieved ,Follicular Output Rate(FORT), Follicle-to-Oocyte Index(FOI), Ovarian Sensitivity Index(OSI), maturation rate and MII /AFC. Secondary outcomes were cycle cancellation rates, fertilization rate, cleavage rate and blastulation rate. Main results and the role of chance There was a significant improvement in maturation rates with luteal phase pre-treatment using estradiol (LE) compared to follicular GnRH antagonist (FA) (0.72 ± 0.03 vs. 0.63 ± 0.03, p-value = 0.045). However, there were no statistically significant differences observed in the oocytes retrieved, Follicle-to-Oocyte Index (FOI), Follicular Output Rate (FORT), or Ovarian Sensitivity Index (OSI) between the two pre-treatment groups. These non-significant differences remained consistent among both expected (poseidon category 3 and 4) and unexpected (posiedon group 1 and 2) poor responders. Secondary outcomes, including cycle cancellation rates, fertilization rate, cleavage rate, and blastulation rate, did not show significant variations between the luteal estradiol (LE) and follicular GnRH antagonist (FA) pre-treatment groups. Subgroup analyses without endometriosis (N = 136) and severe male factor infertility (N = 122), revealed no significant differences between the two study groups in these specific subpopulations. Limitations, reasons for caution Limited generalizability due to small sample size, potential bias from lack of blinding, restricted insight into long-term outcomes, and patient heterogeneity are notable limitations in this study. Wider implications of the findings Among poor responders, luteal estradiol demonstrated a significant improvement in maturation rates, probably due to better follicle synchronicity at trigger, compared to follicular antagonist. It’s also more cost-effective and patient-friendly. However, further research with larger sample size and long-term clinical endpoints are needed to validate these findings and optimise clinical strategies. Trial registration number CTRI registration no. CTRI/2023/06/053760

Effects of Donepezil on Clinical Symptoms, Language, and Executive Skills in Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review

Background. This study assessed the potential efficacy of donepezil in treating autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by social communication difficulties and repetitive behaviors. Donepezil, primarily used to treat Alzheimer’s disease as an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, has gained attention as a potential treatment for ASD symptoms. Methods. Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic review was conducted to investigate the effects of donepezil on individuals with ASD. Outcome measures assessed various aspects of ASD, including language skills, executive function, behavior, and core symptoms. Nine studies were identified, including four randomized controlled trials (RCTs), three retrospective studies, one open-label trial, and one case report. Results. One RCT reported significant improvements in expressive and receptive language skills, especially in younger children. Another study combining donepezil with choline supplementation showed enhanced receptive language skills, particularly in younger participants. An open-label trial indicated improved rapid eye movement sleep patterns in autistic children treated with donepezil. Several retrospective studies reported improvements in behavioral symptoms, such as aggression and hyperactivity. However, other RCTs did not find statistically significant improvements in executive functioning. Conclusion. In general, donepezil use in ASD demonstrates promise in specific areas, notably language development and behavioral symptom management. However, the results are contradictory, requiring further research to clarify its role, optimal dosing, long-term effects, and potential side effects in individuals with ASD. Practical Implications. Donepezil can be used to improve the clinical global impression and language skills of people with ASD.

Stimulus-specific enhancement in mouse visual cortex requires GABA but not VIP-peptide release from VIP interneurons.

When adult mice are repeatedly exposed to a particular visual stimulus for as little as 1 h per day for several days while their visual cortex (V1) is in the high-gain state produced by locomotion, that specific stimulus elicits much stronger responses in V1 neurons for the following several weeks, even when measured in anesthetized animals. Such stimulus-specific enhancement (SSE) is not seen if locomotion is prevented. The effect of locomotion on cortical responses is mediated by vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) positive interneurons, which can release both the peptide and the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA. Previous studies have examined the role of VIP-ergic interneurons, but none have distinguished the individual roles of peptide from GABA release. Here, we used genetic ablation to determine which of those molecules secreted by VIP-ergic neurons is responsible for SSE. SSE was not impaired by VIP deletion but was prevented by compromising release of GABA from VIP cells. This finding suggests that SSE may result from Hebbian mechanisms that remain present in adult V1.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Many neurons package and release a peptide along with a conventional neurotransmitter. The conventional view is that such peptides exert late, slow effects on plasticity. We studied a form of cortical plasticity that depends on the activity of neurons that express both vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA. GABA release accounted for their action on plasticity, with no effect of deleting the peptide on this phenomenon.

The Correlation of Field Cognitive Style and Working Memory Capacity with English Reading Strategy of Second Language Learners

Understanding written text is crucial in language acquisition, and the cognitive style and working memory capacity of an individual play crucial roles in determining their level of reading comprehension. Individual differences may result in different reading strategies being employed during the reading process. Research has demonstrated that cognitive style and working memory capacity can impact language learning outcomes like vocabulary acquisition, grammar comprehension, and speaking fluency. However, there is a lack of research on how these cognitive factors relate to the reading strategies utilized by English as a second Language learners. The purpose of this study is to explore the relationship between Field-Independent and Field-Dependent (FI/FD) cognitive styles and working memory capacity in relation to the utilization of English reading strategies among freshmen engineering majors at BIPT. Data is gathered utilizing the theoretical model of FI/FD cognitive styles, working memory capacity and English reading strategies. The collected data includes results from the Cognitive Style Figure Test (CSFT), Reading Span Test, and a questionnaire on English reading strategies, which are then analyzed using SPSS 22.0. The findings from the thorough analysis show that there exists a notable relationship between working memory capacity and the utilization of reading strategies in relation to FI/FD cognitive styles. Students exhibiting an FI cognitive style tend to favor the implementation of cognitive and metacognitive strategies, whereas those with an FD style are inclined towards employing social/affective strategies. Additionally, disparities in the use of reading strategies are observed between students with high and low working memory capacity. Students with high working memory capacity demonstrate a higher tendency to employ cognitive strategies, metacognitive strategies, and social/emotional strategies when compared to those with low memory capacity.

Television and Cinema as an Agent of Development and Social Change

Television and cinema have had an immense influence on society and culture universally. They have not only provided a global platform for the exchange of information but have also provided space for interaction between cultures. In a world of globalization, beyond their primary aim of entertainment, television and cinema have become important means of communication among different communities while also gaining commercial value along the way. Where on one hand they have been used for communal and/or political propaganda, terrorism, religious preaching, coercion, cultural assimilation and as a means of making a profit, they have also represented social activism, promotion of various cultures and traditional practices and art. Television and cinema, as a visual medium, provide diverse possibilities to society. From its conception as a black-and-white medium, it has evolved into a popular form of applications such as Netflix and Amazon Prime videos which has resulted in a much wider reach. For instance, the giant franchise of the Bond films promotes a particular political agenda with the backdrop of the Cold War and September 11 and the most popular cartoon show Tom and Jerry describes the relationship of predator-prey or oppressor-oppressed transcends the primary purpose of entertainment. The Charlie Chaplin films that offer a critique of the new progressing society and the various fairy tales that outline the gender and societal roles of individuals further expand the purpose and approach of the visual medium. Television and cinema take on a didactic role that not only aims at education but also contributes to the creation and/or destruction of conventions. This paper focuses on the evolution of television and cinema on a global platform while discussing its role in development and social change.

Unmasking Media Narratives through Comparative Corpus Linguistic Analysis: A Study of Russia-Ukraine Conflict

In a world inundated with diverse media narratives, the Russia-Ukraine conflict emerges as a focal point of contention, revealing a complex interplay of linguistic strategies and discursive tactics. This study aims to unravel the intricacies of lexical choices, and discursive techniques employed by Sputnik, BBC, and Fox News in their coverage of the Russia-Ukraine conflict through corpus-assisted discourse studies techniques. Three corpora were created comprising 5,347 articles with 5,829,747 tokens, sampled from February 2022 to February 2023. Moreover, Sputnik’s diction strategically employs the phrase “military operation” while eschewing “war”, portraying the conflict as a defensive, legitimate endeavour, thus reinforcing a Russian geopolitical narrative that recasts Ukraine not as a victim but as an active participant with extremist factions. BBC, in contrast, adopts a pro-Western stance, framing Ukraine as a victim and Russia as an aggressor. Fox News calls Russia’s action as an invasion, and highlights the individual roles of political leaders in shaping the conflict. However, to address the limitations of this study, future studies can expand the scope, sources, languages, and genres for analysis. Furthermore, media consumers need to practice media literacy, cross-checking, and critical analysis in the era of overloaded information in order to form well-rounded opinions on complex geopolitical events.